13 Apr Newport 36-12 Bridgend

A much changed Bridgend Ravens side were beaten at Newport Stadium on Wednesday evening by playoff chasing Newport.

Tom Smith made 12 changes due to a short turn around which left Bridgend looking disjointed in the first half. Newport raced over for four first half tries through James Benjamin, Lennon Greggains, Elliot Frewen and Harri Ackerman to secure the bonus point they need in their bid to make the end of season playoffs.

Connor Tantum struck for Bridgend’s opening score as the Black and Ambers tried to run from under their own posts. An error from the hosts handed Tantum a score. 18 year old Harri Ford, making his first start for Bridgend, notched the extras to see Bridgend trail by 17 at the break.

HT Newport RFC 24-7 Bridgend Ravens

Bridgend were forced into a half time replacement, Luke Price taking the place of Caine Woolerton, and the experienced fly half made a big difference to Bridgend’s efforts. The Ravens will have been disappointed not to have added more than their one second half try. Bridgend dominated territory and had multiple trips into the hosts 22 but came up short on too many occasions.

Newport added another try, Che Hope touching down this time. Bridgend lost Dafi Davies to the sin bin after 65 minutes but didn’t give up and their efforts were rewarded when they got over for a Cameron Ellis try. The wing latched onto a neat kick through for the try, capping a fine individual performance from the wideman. Price missed the conversion. As the clock ticked into the red, Newport added a sixth score as Dafydd Buckland went over.

It was a tough evening in challenging conditions for Bridgend who are back in action this Saturday when they travel to St Helen’s to face Swansea (2:30pm).

Tries: Tantum (26), Ellis (71)
Conversion: Ford (27)
Yellow Card: D. Davies (65)